SEOL-1
a kitchen-focused vacuum cleaner designed to quickly and efficiently remove fine powders from countertops.
category
consumer electronics
duration
14 weeks
year
2024
how would you clean the countertop?
water wastes
a 10-second rinse uses about 0.37 gallons. At 10 rinses a day, that's roughly 3.7 gallons daily—or about 1,350 gallons a year, enough to fill 17 bathtubs.
current products
among all these specialized vacuum cleaners, none is optimized for the kitchen. people are using car or floor vacuum cleaners in the kitchen, which is not optimal.
designing a kitchen-optimized vacuum cleaner for cleaning powders off countertops.
wide area
grip
blend
key words
1. wide area
since kitchens have wide areas like countertops, current vacuum cleaners can't clean them effectively. current products have heads that are too small and always require attachments. SEOL-1 features a head up to 2.5 times longer for quicker cleanups.
explore
Through eight rounds of development, I explored the most efficient, simple, and streamlined operation and manufacturing methods.
2. grip
what is the best way to clean countertops? I find that a wiping grip is ideal because it simulates the natural wiping experience. I designed it to be flat and included a slot in the middle to indicate where to place your fingers.
touch
Since it is a product meant to be held by hand, practical testing was crucial to determine the optimal way for users to hold it, the most comfortable grip, and the appropriate size—with the design evolving through multiple rounds of 3D printing.
3. blend
it must blend seamlessly into the kitchen environment, as it's a kitchen vacuum cleaner. the form and materials were selected to match existing kitchen products, ensuring a harmonious integration.
focus
Initially, I explored various possibilities, but as I refined the design and focused on user use cases, I concentrated on functionality, efficiency, and a design suited for the kitchen.
intuitive control
it has a very intuitive operating system—users can easily rotate the top part to power it on and control the air power.
accessory
the charging station includes an additional attachment for a more precise cleaning experience in kitchen corners.
SEOL-1
SEOL-1 (Seol-won) means "snow field" in korean, serving as a metaphor for the powdery residue on countertops.
it conveys a sense of cleanliness and purity.
